Welcome to L.A. TACO’s daily news briefs, where we bring our loyal members, readers, and supporters the latest headlines about Los Angeles politics and culture. Stay informed and look closely.
—North Hollywood: Diego Jose Miranda Lopez, a former Los Angeles police officer assigned to the North Hollywood area, was arrested yesterday for allegedly raping a child under 14 years old. Lopez was a probationary officer, according to an LAPD press release, and "resigned when confronted with the allegations." The alleged assault reportedly occurred prior to Lopez' employment with the LAPD. The Los Angeles County District Attorney's office is reviewing the case and considering filing charges. [@LAPD/Twitter]
—Palm Springs: Speaking of the Coachella Valley, Palm Springs is facing a $2 billion reparations claim from Black and Latino families who say their families were "burned out of their homes 50 years ago" during "slum clearance" in a one-square-mile neighborhood once known as Section 14. [LAT]
—Los Angeles: After months of record rains, L.A. County is reportedly 97 percent drought-free right now. [Spectrum News 1]
—Los Angeles: A new coronavirus subvariant has landed in Los Angeles: Arcturus. Reports indicate that the new strain has lead to an increase in COVID cases in India and can lead to pink eye. But so far, it doesn't seem like the Arcturus subvariant causes more severe illness, though it might be more infectious. [LAT]